Structural properties of nano-porous GaSb prepared by swift heavy-ion irradiation

We are investigating the structural and optical properties of nano-porous GaSb formed by swift heavy ion irradiation using a combination of high resolution structural characterization techniques including synchrotron based small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), as well as optical measurements like Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In contrast to nano-porous GaSb prepared by low energy ion irradiation, the swift heavy ion irradiated samples do not show any sign of homo-polar bonding typical for amorphous materials in EXAFS measurements despite the observed significant structural disorder. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction and Raman-spectroscopy reveal the presence of small (<10 nm) crystallites inside the pore walls.